Member Avatar for NBert

Hello - long time reader, first time poster,

I own a HP Pavilion a562n, and recently my power supply light has been blinking and clicking without any boot up.

I unplugged all the power cables in the computer, and checked the power supply. Without the cables the power supply light is solid green.

After plugging in all my other cables, I found that when the main power cable going to the motherboard is plugged in, the light blinks, and when it isn't, the light stays solid.

What does this confirm?

If you need any other information, just ask and I will keep you posted!

  • 2 Contributors
  • 6 Replies
  • 120 Views
  • 5 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Chaky

Dani AI

Generated

Good call by — the symptom described is a classic sign that the PSU’s protection circuitry is tripping when the motherboard is attached. Since fixed the machine by swapping the supply, the most likely root cause was a failing PSU (or a short/load that the PSU could not sustain). For others who hit the same blinking/clicking behaviour, here is a safe, practical triage and follow-up checklist that avoids needless parts purchases.

  1. Isolate with minimal hardware. Remove all drives, opticals, add‑in cards and extra RAM sticks; leave only CPU, one stick of RAM and the CPU power/24‑pin connected. If the PSU still trips, the fault is likely the board/CPU or the PSU itself. If it stays on, add devices back one at a time to find the offender.
  2. Rule out case shorts. Temporarily run the motherboard outside the case on cardboard or its box with only essential connections — standoffs or misplaced screws can short the board.
  3. Visual inspection. Look for bulging or leaking capacitors, burn marks, damaged connector pins, or swollen components on the board and on the PSU connectors.
  4. Test the supply properly. Use a dedicated PSU tester or a multimeter to check the rails under load if possible. A simple “paperclip” turn‑on only proves the fan runs and is not a substitute for under‑load testing.
  5. Replacement guidance. If a swap with a known‑good PSU fixes it (as in this thread), buy a reputable unit with the correct connectors and enough wattage. Prebuilt systems sometimes use nonstandard connectors—verify fitment before buying.
  6. Safety and follow up. Do not open the PSU (risk of dangerous capacitors). After repair, run extended stability checks and inspect other components for collateral damage.

This sequence finds most causes without guesswork and limits cost. If a new PSU didn’t help, the next steps are targeted motherboard/CPU diagnostics or professional servicing.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for Chaky

You are unable to boot up, correct?
Is there a switch on the PSU?
Did you try switching it off?
Did you try unplugging the whole thing off the A/C power?

Looks like your PSU has shorting protection that is activated. Only way to reset it is to unplugg the mains.

Member Avatar for NBert

1. You are unable to boot up, correct?
2. Is there a switch on the PSU?
3. Did you try switching it off?
4. Did you try unplugging the whole thing off the A/C power?

Looks like your PSU has shorting protection that is activated. Only way to reset it is to unplugg the mains.

1. Correct, I am unable to boot up.
2. Yes, I know of the 115/230 switch.
3. I made sure that it is activated to North American 115V, by switching to 230 waiting 5 seconds and switching it back till it clicks.
4.Tryed unplugging it, plugging it in different outlets, as well as either directly into a outlet or through a surge protector.

So my best bet is to buy a new power supply?

Member Avatar for Chaky

When I said "switch", I ment "on/off switch", not the voltage selector.

You must be certain that the PSU is one that's toasted. There could be number of reasons why your machine won't boot. PSU is the cheapet one. Good thing now would be warranty.

commented: Helped with my decision to buy a new PSU. +1
Member Avatar for NBert

Thanks Chaky,

I'm going to buy a replacement PSU, to be certain that swapping out the PSU will help. If not then I will bring it to my local repair shop.

Member Avatar for NBert

Update:
A new PSU solved the problem!

Thanks Chaky!

Member Avatar for Chaky

Glad to hear it.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.